One activity that my family and I like to do for a change of scenery is pile into the car and take a road trip for recreational activities within Hendricks County, Indiana, or parks and trails within 40 miles of Danville so that we're not spending more than an hour each way in the car. Fortunately for us, there are plenty of options to explore.
Here are some of my suggestions for road trips to parks and trails located in or within an hour of Hendricks County in alphabetical order.
B&O Trail
The B&O Trail roughly follows the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad path from Raceway Road through Brownsburg to County Road 250 East here in Hendricks County. The paved trail is 8.5 miles long in Hendricks County, and another 7.5 miles long in Marion County.
A bridge with observation decks on each side spans White Lick Creek on the west side of Brownsburg, and the trail is ideal for bicycling, jogging or hiking. Parking is available at Cardinal Park or in a couple of lots where the trail crosses County Road 500 East and another where it crosses Indiana 267.
Eagle Creek Park
The largest park in Indianapolis and one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., Eagle Creek Park spans more than 5,000 acres when you include both water and land just outside the northeast border of Hendricks County near Brownsburg.
The park surrounds the massive 1,300-acre Eagle Creek Reservoir and has more than 10 miles of trails. Other amenities include the Earth Discovery Center, the Ornithology Center, the Go Ape Treetop Adventure, a beach with swimming and much more.
Echo Hollow Nature Park
Another location within Hendricks County, Echo Hollow Nature Park, is located in Plainfield. This 310-acre park offers a 5.5-acre pond with catch-and-release fishing, an ADA-accessible pier, 5.1 miles of trails, picnic tables, a large pavilion and plenty of room to roam.
The Town of Plainfield has plans to significantly expand Echo Hollow Nature Park within the next few years.
Lieber & Cataract Falls State Recreation Areas
Near Cloverdale, Ind., southwest of Hendricks County, Lieber State Recreation Area is a huge 8,075-acre property that includes 1,400-acre Cagles Mill Lake. Hike the Covered Bridge Nature Trail, visit the Nature Center or do some fishing, boating, picnicking or overnight camping there.
Not far from Lieber SRA lies the beautiful Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, where gorgeous photos are waiting to be taken.
McCloud Nature Park
McCloud Nature Park is located just outside North Salem, within Hendricks County. This 232-acre wonder boasts more than 7 miles of trails, Big Walnut Creek, a Nature Center, a live observable honeybee habitat, a wetland habitat with a boardwalk and observation deck and a historic truss bridge.
It also hosts several family programs and events throughout the year.
McCormick's Creek State Park
Spencer, Ind., is home to McCormick's Creek State Park, where there is a ton of stuff to explore. Indiana's very first state park offers waterfalls, canyons, a nature preserve, a stone arch bridge, a newly-renovated Nature Center, hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, overnight camping and more.
(Note: On March 31, 2023, McCormick's Creek State Park took a direct hit from an EF3 tornado that ripped a four-mile-long swath of destruction through the park. At the time of this posting, amenities at the park are limited as the long on-going process of cleanup continues, so be sure to check their website before planning your visit.)
Morgan-Monroe State Forest
Morgan-Monroe State Forest is one of my favorite places to visit for some peace and quiet and to reconnect with nature. As the name suggests, this forest is located on the Morgan-Monroe County Line, southeast of Hendricks County.
The property spans more than 24,000 acres and boasts three forest lakes, overnight camping, backcountry hiking trails, picnicking, the Draper Cabin and the Cherry Lake Lodge. You can even pan for gold there.
Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area
Outside of Rockville, Ind., to the west of Hendricks County, lies Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area and Cecil M. Hardin Lake.
Visitors to this property can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, the Historic Mansfield Roller Mill, overnight camping and so much more.
Shades State Park
Shades State Park, near Waveland, Ind., is a great place for hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing and overnight camping.
Sandstone cliffs overlook Sugar Creek, while the Pine Hills Nature Preserve provides unique topography and all sorts of treats for the eyes and camera lens.
Turkey Run State Park
To the northwest of Hendricks County, near Marshall, Ind., Turkey Run State Park remains a top outdoor recreation area in Indiana. Have a picnic at Turkey Run, hike some trails, visit the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin, catch a fish or two in Sugar Creek and marvel at the unique geological formations throughout the park.
You'll definitely want to bring your camera with you as you explore this beautiful park.
Vandalia Trail
There are two sections of the Vandalia Trail, which runs along the path of the former Vandalia Railroad through southern Hendricks County. One section is in Plainfield, and this 4.3-mile paved segment spans most of the town's width.
The western portion of the Vandalia Trail begins in Amo, runs west through Coatesville, and connects to People Pathways, which continues to Greencastle. Trailheads in Amo and Coatesville provide modern restrooms, water fountains and bicycle repair stations along this 4.25-mile stretch of paved trail.
